Race Against The Sun | Norwich City Community Sports Foundation

14th June 2025
4:29am - 9:22pm
Norfolk Coastal Path

Looking for a physically demanding adventure on the stunning North Norfolk coast? Race Against the Sun is a true test of endurance, designed for those ready to push their limits.

Join us for the second year of this exhilarating 47-mile challenge. Starting at sunrise participants will journey from Cromer to Hunstanton on a thrilling race against time to cross the finish line on the cliffs of Hunstanton before the sun sets.

This unforgettable challenge promises not only a tough, exhilarating experience but also the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged and disabled people in Norfolk.

But don’t worry—you won’t face this challenge alone. We will have a dedicated team running multiple support stations throughout the route. We will make sure you’re cheered on, fed, watered and have access to everything you need to successfully complete the challenge.

Join us in this incredible experience where every stride and every mile matters—not just for you, but for the community you’re supporting.

Sign up today and take advantage of our early bird discount! 

Explore our event information section, by using the dropdown/tabs below.

  • Entry Fee – £45
    • Early Bird Discount* – £40.50
  • Minimum Fundraising Target – £175

Please note we will require evidence that you have achieved the minimum fundraising target prior to taking part in the event.

*Sign up by 31st December 2024 to take advantage of our Early Bird Discount.

Fundraising Incentives

Fundraising for the Foundation entitles you to a number of incentives, as follows:

  • Raise £200 – Photo signed by a Norwich City FC player.
  • Raise £350 – 2 x ground tour tickets.
  • Raise £450 – Norwich City FC pennant signed by the first team.
  • Raise £600 – 2 x Norwich City FC match day tickets (game choice subject to availability)
  • Raise £700 – Norwich City FC football signed by the first team.
  • Raise £800 – Norwich City FC shirt signed by the first team.
  • Raise £1,500 – Signed & framed Norwich City FC shirt.
  • Raise £2,500 – 2 x Norwich City FC match day hospitality tickets (game choice subject to availability)
  • Starting Point: Cromer | Sunrise @ 4:29am
  • Finishing Point: Hunstanton | Sunset @ 9:22pm
  • Distance: 47 miles in 16hrs 36mins

Race Against the Clock: The challenge is set – can you reach Hunstanton before the sun bids farewell for the day? Participants will navigate through scenic routes along the Norfolk Coastal Path, facing the ticking clock as they strive to complete the course. This event takes place 6 days prior to the summer solstice and will see the allocated time for this challenge set at 16hrs and 53min.

Extraction: due to the nature of this challenge, there will be dedicated check points and participants will need to stay within the timings allocated, otherwise we may be forced to extract you from a section, or from the challenge.

Purpose: Beyond the physical feat, the “Race Against the Sun” is a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting a noble cause. Every step you take brings us closer to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Community Sports Foundation, supporting disabled and disadvantaged people in Norfolk.

Pre-Event Support

Once you’ve signed up for Race Against the Sun you won’t be on your own! The team at the Foundation will be in touch regularly to help you every step of the way. From providing tips and resources to boost your fundraising efforts to sharing tailored training guidance, we’re here to ensure you feel fully prepared and supported.

Event Support

On the big day itself, you will be supported by an army of amazing volunteers and staff! We have numerous rest areas, with refreshments and massage therapists to ensure you can access any assistance and sustenance when required.

  • Walking boots or trainers (essential). If they are new, remember to wear them in.
  • Good socks and spares
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Rucksack (not essential)
  • Baselayers
  • Sun cream
  • Gloves
  • Water bottle or bladder for rucksack
  • Personal medical essentials

Each walker will be provided with an official challenge t-shirt.

You may need to invest in kit and equipment. We recommend visiting Go Outdoors, as you will be eligible for charity discount on most purchases.

We also recommend you wear the clothing you plan to wear on the event in your training walks, to ensure you are comfortable in them.

Use any nutrition products in your training if you have not used them before (such as gels) as they have been known to react in different ways with people.

We would advise that you build up your training with regular 6-mile walks, progressing to longer distances. Walking sections of the route in the build-up to the challenge is also very useful; you’ll experience different surfaces that you will encounter en route.

 

  • A medal for your achievement
  • An official challenge t-shirt
  • Clearly sign-posted route
  • Mechanics on the route in case you need assistance or repairs
  • Rest areas where you can stop and fill up on free refreshments
  • Emergency pick up if you can’t finish

The Community Sports Foundation uses the power of sport to support and inspire our community. Our charitable objectives are to:

  • drive inclusion for people with disabilities
  • boosting mental health and wellbeing
  • and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations

Signing up to one of our fundraising events will support our efforts to drive inclusion for people with disabilities across Norfolk. Our life-changing provisions include:

Your support will impact thousands of children and adults. Help us to change lives in Norfolk.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk with my dog or pet?

Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, we are unable to allow dogs to take part, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Where does my fundraising go?

All proceeds raised from the event will support the Foundation’s work with disadvantaged and disabled people across Norfolk. Take a look at how the charity changes lives here.

Can I walk with my friends?

Of course! On the entry form, please let us know who’d you’d like to walk with, and we’ll ensure you are in the same group.

I need to change my information. Help!

To change any of your details after signing up, please contact us.

I’ve got an injury and can no longer participate. Can I withdraw?

We look at this on a case-by-case scenario. Speak to us, and we will help find the best solution.

Can I fundraise offline?

Yes. See our offline fundraising form here. We will communicate how to send the money after the event.

Can I run the route?

We do not allow our participants to run the event. This is non-competition event. The event is fully supported, and all our timings for event support are based on walking pace.

Are there toilet facilities?

Yes, toilets are available at start and finish locations, along with each refreshment station. There are also a number of additional public toilets on the route.

What is the minimum age to take part?

To sign up to the event, you must be 18 or over. Any under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

How fit do I need to be?

Our Coastal Challenges are – to state the obvious – a challenge. However, with the right amount of training, you should be successful in completing the challenge. If you’d like a bespoke training plan or suggested training walking routes to help you prepare, please get in touch.

If you have never completed a walking event with us before, we suggest trying a shorter distance first; you can always sign up to the longer challenges next year!

How long does it take to complete the challenge?

Please see the routes tab above to see our estimated finish times. Due to health and safety reasons, there will be cut off times at each rest stop and finishing area.

Are my family and friends allowed to support me?

Of course. Encourage you friends and family to wave you off at the start line and welcome you home at the finish line.

Will there be refreshments on route?

Yes. As part of your entry fee, we will provide you with all the food and drink you’ll need to get round. All dietary requirements will be catered for, and you can specify these on your entry form.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please see our equipment list section.

What health & safety measures have you taken?

A full risk assessment has been completed for the challenge, and all walkers will be issued with a copy and asked to sign a consent form.

All marshals will have first-aid equipment with them. If you use specific medication, we strongly recommend you carry it with you.

Can I volunteer for the challenge instead? 

These events would not be possible without our volunteers. If you’d like to get involved with any of our events, please contact us.

What are some useful navigation tools to download prior to the challenge? 

 what3words is a great tool to find our rest stop locations and know you are all on track; in the worst case, it’ll help our support teams find you if you get lost! We will give all our walkers the what3words locations for all our rest stops.

Event Recap

2024

For any queries or enquiries, contact us at [email protected]

 

Supported by

Link to https://norfolkhireltd.co.uk/Link to https://coastalconstructionuk.com/

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